Bryant acknowledged the setback in a tweet on Friday afternoon, writing: "This is the ultimate test". The former Cowboys receiver, who signed a one-year deal with New Orleans three days ago, is expected to miss eight months. He practiced for the first time Thursday. Fresh off a famous win over the previously undefeated Los Angeles Rams, Drew Brees and Co. were widely backed to hit a new gear and boss the NFC all the way to paydirt.

Dez Bryant spent training camp, preseason and more than half of the National Football League regular season waiting for a team to give him a shot to prove himself.

For Bryant, the injury continues a tumultuous year that began with a messy divorce in Dallas.

A serious injury to Bryant, 30, could lead to the Saints taking a second look at veteran Brandon Marshall, who also worked out for the team this week.

Suspected Shooter Who Killed 12 in California Bar Identified
Thirteen people were killed at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, a well-known college hangout, late Wednesday night. Dean said the suspect was found dead inside the bar with a gunshot wound, but that it was not clear who had fired that shot.